Bar licence revoked after double stabbing

Staff at the Aviator Sports and Live Lounge were accused of misleading the police

A bar linked to a double stabbing has been stripped of its licence.

Aviator Sports and Live Lounge in Newton Aycliffe was the subject of a review after police raised concerns about the venue's management.

Staff at the bar were accused of misleading the police, failing to call the emergency services and interfering with a crime scene following the attack on 16 July.

At a Durham County Council committee meeting on Wednesday, Jacob Kennedy, the venue's premises supervisor, said he would step away from the business to ensure it could continue, but the council voted unanimously to revoke the licence.

The committee also turned down a request to suspend the licence while the management of the bar was transferred.

'Luck' no-one died

CCTV footage played during the hearing showed an offender throwing objects at several people attending a wake at the venue, before an altercation broke out.

Body-worn camera footage from police revealed victims showing officers their stab wounds, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Police also showed footage to the hearing of an individual pouring cups of water on the crime scene.

Paul Clarke, a solicitor representing Durham Police, said there was no report made to the force or ambulance services and it appeared police were misdirected from the scene.

"It's through good luck that no-one died," he added.

A teenager has been charged with two counts of assault causing grievous bodily harm and is due to appear at Durham Crown Court on Friday.

'Not handled well'

Durham Safeguarding Children Partnership said it was "disturbing" children were still present at the venue and witnessed the events after 23:00 BST.

Marcus Lavell, defending, told the hearing: "The matter was not handled well and we don't shy away from that.

"But this premises has no issues of crime and disorder or child safeguarding in the years it has been open."

Staff at the Aviator previously said the attacks did not happen on its property.

Mr Kennedy said: "It wasn't my brightest idea and has not painted a good picture, which is why I have suggested I step back.

"I've made a failure and accept that and need to move forward into a different industry."

Councillor Tim Robson said the committee had "not heard anything to dissuade us from the fact that the licensing objectives could not be maintained".